Why use a marinade? Marinades are seasoned liquid mixtures that add both flavor and tenderize meat. They are a fast, easy way to create delicious meat dishes, especially with less expensive cuts of meat. Marinades must contain an ingredient to break down the meat fibers and let the flavors penetrate. They can be achieved with an acidic substance (vinegar, wine, spirits, lemon juice, etc.) or a natural tenderizing enzyme such as those found in fresh papaya, ginger, pineapple and figs. Oil is added to the marinade to help ingredients adhere better to the meat and to aid in browning during cooking.

Instructions and tips:

Mix above ingredients and marinate for as little as 20 minutes.

Seafood should generally not be marinated for more than 1 hour. Other meats can be marinated as much as 2 days ahead in the refrigerator.

An easy way to marinate is to put meats directly from freezer into the marinade and refrigerate overnight.